End violence and discrimination against gays and lesbians

The United Nations is urging its member states to make extra effort in combating violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and intersex people.

The UN Human Rights chief Navi Pillay says gay and lesbian issues are no longer taboo at the United Nations, but the abuse gay and lesbian people suffer makes it all the more important to speak out.

She says hate crimes perpetuated against gay and lesbian people were taking place with alarming regularity in all regions of the world, which was a pointer that much more remains to be done to achieve a world where everyone is free, equal and respected.

Rupert Colville is the spokesperson for the UN Human Rights office (OHCHR).

"The fact that States are divided on these issues is not, the High Commissioner says, a reason to hold back from speaking out for fear of controversy. LGBT issues are no longer taboo at the United Nations, but the struggle for full equality for LGBT people continues. The High Commissioner has highlighted three particular areas of concern: homophobic and transphobic hate crimes which take place with alarming regularity in all regions of the world, ranging from bullying to torture, kidnapping and murder, the criminalization of homosexuality and same-sex relationships, the discrimination suffered by LGBT individuals and the lack of legal protection by national laws."

May 17 is observed each year as the international day against homophobia.